Normandie

Normandie is a Swedish alternative rock band from Örebro, active since 2013. The group begins as a six-piece lineup with Philip Strand and Johan Lindström sharing lead vocals, alongside guitarists Joel Felix and Håkan Almbladh, bassist Stefan Timmerholm and drummer Jesper Malmberg. Their early material draws heavily on metalcore and post-hardcore, with a harder and more aggressive sound on their self-titled debut EP.

Style and development

The band’s music develops from heavy post-hardcore roots into a more melodic, polished blend of alternative rock, electronic textures and metalcore intensity. Their sound centres on emotionally direct melodies, cinematic electronics and strong contrasts between atmosphere and force. After Lindström leaves in 2015, Strand becomes the sole vocalist, and the band moves further towards an emotionally driven style. Strand also takes on production duties, which helps maintain the band’s dense and layered sound through later lineup changes.

Albums and key releases

Inguz, released in 2016, is Normandie’s debut full-length album and marks a major turning point in their sound. Tracks such as “Collide” and “Awakening” show their mix of anthemic choruses, ambient textures and raw vulnerability. The 2018 follow-up, White Flag, expands this approach with larger rock hooks and lyrics focused on resistance, identity and defiance. The album helps establish the band more widely and leads to touring across Europe and the UK.

In 2021, Normandie release Dark & Beautiful Secrets, a concept-driven album dealing with childhood trauma, mental health and spiritual conflict. In 2024, they issue Dopamine, using a monthly release campaign called the “Dopamine Clinic”; the record reflects on overstimulation and emotional desensitisation in digital life. Songs including “Serotonin” and “Hourglass”, the latter featuring Dani Winter-Bates of Bury Tomorrow, appear on the album.

Collaborations and covers

Normandie also record cover versions of several pop songs, including Sia’s “Chandelier”, Zara Larsson’s “All the Time” and Cher’s “Believe”. They later collaborate with Australian band Hands Like Houses on “Hurts Like Hell”.

Line-up

By the later period of the band’s career, Normandie is reduced to a trio consisting of Philip Strand, Håkan Almbladh and drummer Anton Franzon. The band is identified as a Swedish metalcore band as well as an alternative rock group, with electronic elements remaining part of its sound.